Disconnecting switch



Aug. 18, 1931. P. B. HoYE DISCONNECTING SWITCH Filed Sept. 2, 1927 5Sheets-Sheet 1 mkg/M 5 Aug. 18, 1931.

P. B. HOYE DISCONNEGTING SWITCH Filed sept.

3 Sheets-Sheet 2 /vye l Aug. 1,8, 1931. P. B. HoYE 1,819,779

' DISGONNEGTING swITcn Filed Sept; 2, 1927 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 y.particularly to disconnecting Patented Aug. 18, 1931 UNITED STATES.PATENT oI-Fl PEDER. B. HOYE, OF MAYWOOD, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TOELECTRICAL ENGINEERS EQUIPMENT CO., OF MELROSE PARK, ILLINOIS, ACORPORATION OF ILLINOIS DISCONNECTING SWITCH Application l'ed September2, 1927. Serial No.-217,060.

This linvention relates to electric switches, switches and its object isthe provision o generally improved, simpliiied .and inexpensive meansfor breaking the static friction between the parts and readily andpositively opening vthe switch regardless of adverse infiuences tendingto hold it closed.

Wherethe switch is provided with locking or latch means for preventingthe switch accidentally moving from its desired -position, such as mightresult from a Aheavy flow of current, vibration or insecure contact, thepresent invention provides for releasing'f the locking or latch meansbefore or in applying the powerful opening action so that the switchwill be rfree to open thereunder.

The switch opening means of the present invention releases theV lock orlatch where there is a lock or latch. It imparts ya relatively great orpowerful force for separating theblade means from its co-operatingContact `orterminal and thereafter performs the function of anoperatinglever oil'member for separating the blade means from thecontact and moving same to full open posi- 1 tlon.`

The opening means of the presentinvention is also operative to close theswitch into properv contact with kthe associated switch contact orterminal. v,

, It is to be understood that the present invention isnot limited to aparticular l'switch and that the details of the embodiment of theinvention selected for illustration may be varied within the scope ofthe appended claims.V v

In the accompanying drawings: l Fig. 1 is a top plan view of a switchembodying the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view'of the same;

Fig. 3 is a section taken on the line 3-3 of Fig". 4;

l Fig. 4 isa section taken on the line 419-4 of Fig. 3 showing themanner of releasing the lockingor latch means and the manner lof cammingthe bladev means off "of the switch contact or clip member;

Patent 1,515,116 ofk and 19 are employed, one on each side .of

Fig.' 5 is a detailed section taken on the line 5-5ofFig-4f;

Fig. 6 is aside elevational view of another embodiment of the inventionin which there is no locking or latch means; p

Fig. 7 is a top plan view of the same; and

Fig. 8 is a'detailed section taken on the line 8 8 of Fig. y6.

The switches shown are double blade switches, such as are shown in GettsPatent 1,212,161 of January 9, 1917 and Jacobs Nov. 11, 1924. s 'yReferring rst to Figures 1 to 5, the movable part of the switchcomprises a pair ofy blades 5 and 6 which are clamped at one'end to astationary .hinge or pivot terminal 7 by means of a bolt 8 and a pair ofspring washers 10 which maintaina uniform spring pressure uponthe/blades 5 and 6 to hold them against the opposite sides ofthe/terminal 7. The terminal 7 is suitably mounted upon the end of asupporting insulator 12 and the terminal has a projection 13 towhich thedesired conductor may be secured andconnctcd as through a socketterminal or the li e. i

The contact terminal into and out of engagement with which the movablepart or blade means 5, 6 is swung by pivotal Vmovement about the pivotbolt 8, isindicated at 15. The contact terminal 15 is suitably mountedupon the outer end of a supporting insulator 16 and is provided with asuitable projection 17 to which the other conductor may be secured andconnected therewith. For holding the outer or free ends of the blades 5,6 against the sides of the outer or contact terminal 15 when the bladesare in engagement therewith, a' pair of `bolts 18 the terminal 15 andeach provided `with 'a 'pair of spring'washers 20.

The locking device shown in connection lwith Figures 1 to 5 comprises apair of latch arms 22, one on `each side of the movable switchmember 5,6 and yieldingly pressed to locking position for holding the switchclosed. These latch arms 22 are provided with shoulders 23 for engagingover the outer edges of the blades 5, 6 tov hold the switch closed.Outwardly of the shoulders 23, the latch arms 22 have outwardlyspreading or flared extensions 24.

Extending along the outer side of each latch arm 22 is a guide 26. Theguides 26 are disposed on oppositesides of the Contact tion, as shown toenclose'the latchl arms 422 and the means for yieldingly pressing thetions 28 and are flanged at 29 and suitably attached as by means ofbolts BUEt-e the base of the terminal 15 and outer end of the supportinginsulator. "1"' 'l L The outer ends `of ftheguide members 26 are Vturnedback at 32 and form a throated-3 which .normally substantiallyl.coincides with the .outer end of .the vterminal .15,and guides thelblades 5, '6 inonto .the opposite sides of -the .terminal E1,5.V The.hase portions .28 of the guide :members'.26l are recessed at 35f`andeach 'latch arm "22' 'is provided .at .its :inner .end with a -knuckle.3.6 piv'ote'din .these recesses '35 .on .opposite sides of the.terminal .15. A pair V l f-coiled .springs 38 Vinterposed between the\outer :side o'lt each -latc'h ,armf22 .and the -inner .side of .the.adjacent-guide member12`6 yieldingly bias or Ipress the latch ,members22 into "locking-,position with shoulders 23 'engaging .over the outeredges of the blades 5., 6y when Asaid blades .are AiIl .closed position.f IThe :locking :positions .df

i the latch 'arms 22 are *showny 'in .dotted lines 'in Figure 3 andthese arms '22, are-sw1ngable Y.about 'their pivoted knuckles-36 andagainst the Etensi'on of, the springs 38 Vvinto'the, positions shownf'infulllinesigure 3 .for. the purpose of releasing-the'blades 5161fo'ropen- .ing movement. The springs 38may beheld 'in position by sockets594 onthe inner sides Aof the .members 26 .and ,pinsor studs 40 onthe'outer sides of the arm-s 22.,V

A"lock .release .and operating lever: is

f .pivotedbetween the outer ends ofthe blades 5, 6 adjacent thezterminal .15 andfbolt 18 upon apivotpin 46whichf'extends through and-is suitably lsecured atits opposite .ends in the blades5, -6.

'The inner .margin of the operating lever is o'fa thickness at 48Vsubstantially the same o i' slightly less than :the:.thickness'of1 thecontact lug l5 and .this 'inner margin48 lts and is swingably operativebetween 'the blades 5, '.6. lThe' .margin ,48` of. fthelever v45v4 .hasan .angular .recess 50 forming .thc

yupper portion` Ogw/hich .overhangs vthe Yunpv.per edge of gthe.terniinallf when the yblade jmeans is inthe :closed positionand adependingbamiextension 53 rounded'at 54 lfor -camnfing .engagement with.thehouiter` end .ofuthe terminal flug .f15. 'VT-he ...poverhanging`extension .50'l angularly recessed at 55 for .cooperationfwith k,thebolt. 18 in .closing vthe switch. j

, direction about the`pin46.

ing.

,ing camV portion53"into camming engage- -clip or terminal 15.

;gagement'withthe outer 'edgescof the blade members 5',l 6 to permit theblade members Vtobef'swung outwardly into open position latch ,rar-ms tolockrng'ipositi'on :The .'inner ends of'the guide `members 26. have.base'rpor-i therefrom; As the blade members fmove outwardly.. :trom'thecontact "15 fthe i lateral flanges 58 engage the outer edges of theblade member-s45, 6 limiting further counterclockwise swinging movementof the .lever "45'lab`out't'the'pin 46 and relative the blade members5,6 so .that :thereafter .the :lever 45'. is's'ubstantiallyrigidwithrespect to the blade 'means inthedirection ofjgpullon the 'leverwlii'clithereafter acts orv operates as .a ypulling lever .for lpulling.theblades 5,167

ofiof the....conta ct.15.A heoperal-,in g lever .45 hasan eye loropening60 for 'receiving a Isuitable .hook lwith 4which ato. operate.theswitch, as Vwell understood in zgthe. art.

ing means; 1s usually'provided `on the end" of, a suitable operatingvpole.

Y .,"The switch blad s .5,'6 .maybe .maderelw tively 'thin in order.that .they may have Vfreedom toadjust .themselves to 4the fsides3locking .arms .22..are *in locking position as shownin dottedlinesinFig. B'holding b lade Ameanslocked .in ...the .closed position asshownin '.Fig. .2..andfin'full lines in Fig. 4.V The operatinglever45fis, in the closed position .of-thc switch, in full lines-inFigs. 2.and 4. Vhcn it is desired .to fopen the switch, the operatingrod or hooli is liool'r'ed into the eye 60 .and the lever v45 .is.pulled ,in a vcounter'-clockw'ise lever 45 about its pivot .46 inswitch open* :direction orces .the .wedge or vlateral 4flange means 58between vthelatch` members 22, spreadingthesezlatch members 22 intothefull linep'ositions. shown in -Fign and releasing thegshoulderfi23 fromthe outer edges of the blade 4members 5, 6. Continued movementof `thelever 45 lforces xthe dependment with the-.outer-end of ythe yterminal.15

andbetween the bla-de members. 5, 6, so

tlf at as the movementof the operating .lever 45 continues apowerful'camming faction is exerted upon the outer end of the t 15 forl pulling`the lblade off of (the Then.- as the blade fleaves Kthe termmal 15k itsouterl .edges engage lth, flanges .58 so that thereafter the lever inthe ,position shown;v

erminal 45 and .the blade members operate ioo , `vvl110 The `initialmovementk .of the operating tions.

rigidly or asa'unit, the lever 45 V6, 7 and 8 the same the blade membersoil' Vlever 70 continuesv the iiange operating as a pulling-leverxforpulling the blades oil' of the contact 15 and-intouIl open position.

-In closing. the switch Vthe operating hook or member is eng'aged in theeye 60fand the operating lever is pushed or moved in `a clockwisedirection about its pivot 46 .until .theyrecessed extension 50 engagestheV bolt 18 whereupon the lever 45 acts as a push :lever for swingingthe blade means as a unit therewith into closed position. As the blademeans is-closed it is guided between the guide members 26 and betweenthe latch arms 22, the shoulders 23 of which take over the Vouter edgesof the blades and lock the same aga-inst accidental opening, as vundershort circuits or the like.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures principle of 'pulling of thecontact clips or terminal is employed but in this case there is no lockfor locking the blade means to the terminal and the lock releasingfunction of the operating member is omitted.

In this case the pivotr terminal is indidicated at 66. The switch is, asbefore a `double blade switch with the blades .indicated at 68 and theoperating lever 70has `anextension 72' which fits or Vextends.operatively betweenthe blade members 68 and is pivoted therebetween uponapin 73 which `extends between the blade, membersand is suitably securedat its opposite ends therein.

`The lever 70, as before,'has a depending camming portion 75 rounded at7 6 for camming engagement with/the outer endof the terminal 66. vThelever 70 is also provided with an eye 78 for engagement by an operatinghook, as in the previous embodin'ient or adapted to be pivotallyconnected through a pin 79 with an operating rod 80 and fitting 8l,particularly in gang operatedinstalla The lever 70 is provided on eachof its opposite sides With an angular laterally eX- tending rflange orshoulder portion having an upper part or portion 83 and a lower `part oriiange portion 84.

o Open the switch the lever 70 is pulled downwardly'or in acounter-clockwise direction about its pivot 73, the depending 4camportion 75 engaging the outer end of the Contact 66 and exerting apowerful *camming action to pull the blade off of the contact 66. 4Asthe blade members leave the contact 66 and the swing of the operatingportions 84 are engagedwith the outer edges of the switch blades 68 andthereafter the operating vlever 70 acts asa pullingilever for vpullingthe blades as a unit therewith oil' of the contact and Aoutwardly intofull open position.

To close the switch the lever 70 is pushed between saidvblades intocamming engagebers 1are pushed or moved asv aunit with 70 the lever 70to closed position, through. the@ co-operation of the shoulders 83 withthe outer edges'fof the blades 68 and the accompanying closing `movementof the lever 70.

In this easey theprinciple of pulling them, blades olf of` thecontactwith a powerful camming action is the same 4as in the'precedingembodiment but the lock and lock releasing means are omitted. l Y

In the embodiment of Figs. l to v5 theo lateral flanges or shouldermeans 58 limit the swing' of the lever 45 relative the blades 5, 6 inthe direction of switch opening movement of the lever 45, whereas thecooperation of the inwardly extending 'finger 55?., 85 with the bolt 18limits the swing of theM lever 45 relative to the blades 5, 6 in thedirection of switch closing movement vof the lever 45.

In the embodiment of Figs. 6 to 8, theQo flanges or shoulders 84 limitthe swing of the lever 70, relative to the blades, in the Vdirection ofswitch opening movement of the lever, whereas the langes or shoulders 83limit the swing of the lever 70, relativeg` the blades, in the directionof switch closing movement. i

I claim: 1

l. In an electric switch, the combination of a relatively stationarycontact memberfeloo a pair of floating blades movable into and Vout ofengagement with said contact member and an operating ylever pivoted tosaid blades and swingable between said blades into camming engagementmember to impart a powerful camming ac-4N tion for separating saidblades from said contact member.

2. In anelectric switch, the combination of a-relatively stationaryContact memberlo a pair of floating blades movable into and -out ofengagement with said contact member, an operating lever pivoted to saidblades and swingable between said blades into camming engagement withsaid contact memb'erq3-:l'15 to impart a powerful camming actionfor iseparating said blades from said contact member, and abutment means onsaid lever engagable `with said blades to limit the swing of said leverkwith respect to saidr. blades for moving the blades to open position bythe continued movement of said lever.

out ofengagement with said contact member, an operating lever pivoted tosaid blades and including a camming portion swingable with' saidcoiitactulfllr a relatively stationary contact'member.-125 i 'a -pair ofHeating bladesy movable into and ment with said contact member to imparta powerful camming action for separating said blades from said .contactmember, abutment .means on said lever engagable with e?, said blades tolimit the swing of said lever l f with respect to said blades for movingthe blades fto open position by the continued movement of said lever andabutment means on said lever and engagable with said blades for limiting.the swing of vsaid lever relative 0 to Asaid :blades in the oppositedirection for closing the blades through said lever.

4. In an electric switch, the combination of a contact member, a movableswitch member, latch members between which the switch vmember is movableand adaped to lock said member in closed position and an operating lever'pivoted on said switch member and having means 'for spread-ing saidlatch members 'to vreleased position and means extending forward of Saidlast means vfor impart- ;i-ng a powerful camming action to separate`said switch member from said contact member. 3F25 a5. In van electricswitch, the 'combination ofa-contact member, `a switch member movableinto and out of engagement with said Contact member, latch membersbetween which said switch member is movable and adapted lto lock Vsaidmember in closed position, an operating lever pivoted on the switchmember and having a camportion cooperable with the contact member-to cam-said `switch l'member therefrom, and .means on said operating leverrearward of the cam portion for spreading -said latch members toreleased position.

6. In an electric switch, the combination of -acontact member, a switchmember movable into and out ofengagement with said contact member, latchmembers between which said switch member is movable and adapted to locksaid member in closed position, an operating lever pivoted on 'the-switch member and having a cam portion co-operable with the contactVmember to cam said switch member therefrom, means on said-operatinglever for spreading said latch .means to released position, said meansbeing .150 located rearwardly of the cam portion, and

means for limiting the swing of said lever relative the switch memberfor moving the switch member through said lever.

7 In an electric switch, ythe combination of a contact member, a pair offloating blades co-operable therewith, spring means including a bolt forpressing the blades against the sides of the contact, an operating leverpivoted between said blades and -swingable relative thereto, abutmentmeans on said operating lever engagable with the edgesof lthe blades tolimit swinging movement of the lever relative the blades in onedirection and a projecting linger Ion said 165 lever fengagable withsaid bolt to limitan operating lever pivoted ato said lbla'des swingingmovement .of Vthe lever relative the blades in the opposite direction.

8. A switch comprising fa pair :of 'spaced insulators, a pivot vcontactmounted Jon-.one of the insulators, asecond Ycontact zmountedilo on theother insulator,means associated with each -of Vthe contacts forestablishing an kelectrical connection thereto, a .pair of parallelswitch blades pivoted on the pivot Contact and adapted to embrace thesecond contact f between them, andan operating lever pivoted to saidblades and having a camming portion swingable into engagement withsaidsecond contact to impart a powerful .camming action for moving saidblades from lilo said second contact, said icamming iportion movingbetween said blades and 'remaining in camming engagement with saidsecond contact after the edge of the blades moves free ofthe edge of thesecond contact 4during i5 the opening movement.

9. A switch comprising a pair Vof-spaced insulators, a pivot Contactmounted on one of the insulators, a second contact mounted on the otherinsulator, means associated '-with i0 each of the contacts forestablishing an electrical connection thereto, a pair of parallel switchblades .pivoted on the pi-vot 'contact and adapted to embrace thesecondlcontact between them, an operating lever -pivotedl to said bladesand having a `camming per- .tion swingable into engagement vwith saidsecond 4Contact to impart a powerful -camming action 'for moving saidblades from said second contact, said camming portion B00 moving betweensaid blades and remaining in camming engagement with said second contactafter the edge of the blades moves free of the edge of the secondcontact during the opening movement, and abutment means m5 on said leverengageable with said Vblades to limit the swing ofsaid camming meansbetween the blades for moving the blades to the full open position bycontinued movement of the lever.

l0. A switch comprising a contact, a pair of parallel switch bladesadapted to embrace said contact between them and movable into and out ofengagement therewith, and an operating lever pivoted vto said blades andhaving a camming portion swingable into engagement with the contact toimpart a powerful camming action for moving said blades from saidcontact, said-camming portion being of a lesser thickness than thedistance between the two blades and remaining in camming engagement withthe contact and between the blades after the edge of the blades movesfree of the edge of the contact during the opening movement.

11. A switch comprising a contact, a pair of parallel switch bladesadapted to .embrace said contact between them `and movable into and outof engagement therewith,

rsi-gaaf abutment means on said lever engageable with said blades tolimit the swing of the camming means between the blades for moving theblades to thev full open position by continued movement of the lever.

12. A switch having a contact member, locking member having movementltoward and away from the contact member, a switch 'blade operatingbetween said members and in contact therewith, said locking member beingyieldingly urged toward the contact for pressing the blade in firmengagement with the contact, and an operating lever pivoted to theblade, said lever having an abutment portion for spreading the lockingmember to its unlocked position and having and away from the contactmember, a switch an additional curved camming portion for thereafterengaging the contact to exert a powerful camming action for moving theblade from the contact, said camming portion rolling upon the contactafterthe edge of the blade clears the edge of the contact therebycontinuing the camming action.

. 13. A switch having a contact member, a locking member having movementtoward blade operating between said members and in contact therewith,said locking member being yieldingly urged toward the Contact forpressing the blade in lirm engagementv with the contact, and anoperating lever Y* pivoted to the blade, said lever having an abutmentportion for spreading the locking member to its unlocked positionandhaving an additional curved camming portion for thereafter engagingthe contact to exert a powerful camming action for moving the blade fromthe contact, said camming portion rolling upon the contact after theedge of theblade clears the edge of the contact thereby continuing thecamming action and said abutment engaging the blade after a Vpredetermined opening movement for moving the blade to the full openposition by a continued movement of the operating lever.

14. A switch having a contact member, a locking member having and awayfrom the contact member, a switch blade operating between said membersand in Contact therewith, said locking member beingyieldingly urgedtoward theV contact for pressingrthe blade in firm engagement with thecontact, an operating lever pivoted to the blade, said lever Vhaving anabutment portion for spreading' the locking member to movement towardits' y position land' having an tional curved camming portion.' forthereaftere-ngaging the contact to exert a powerful camm y from,A jv'ncontact-,` "said camming f portion rlling upon. the Contacty after thelodge of the(blade. clears the edge of the contact thereby continuingthe camming action, and additional `'abutment means on the lever forliijnitingthe swing ofthe lever with respect to ytheV blade luponmovement the -lever to the yswitchI closing position.

L15. "electric: y'Switch fhaving a pair off` spaced parallel floatingblades, means inc ludf through said vbladesing a boltilextendingadjacent one end lthereof nfor holding the bladesfagaihst spreading,`anoperating lever pivoterl to 'at' 'least oneoperating'the blades, andmeans including a "projectingiinger onmsaid lever en'gageable withsaid"v bolt tojlimitvthe swinging vmofvement` of thelever'withvre'ference tofsaid blades.A f l Q '16. Anfelectric switch. includingablade having A :a pairpof spaced [parallel contact making members, meansincluding aboltv forV holding" fthe Contact making vmem-bers andanoperating l against undue spreading,- memberv pivoted to' thebladev andincluding a portion movable. into the bolt. forA limiting ther movement;of uthe blade in' atleast one direction.

17. An electric having a pair of spacedv parallel contact makingmembers, means including a bolt for holding the contact making membersagainst undue spreading, means for'locking the blade in the closedposition, and an o'perating and lock releasing member pivoted to theblade and including a portion movable into engagement with the bolt forlimiting the extent of pivotal movement of the operating member on theblade in at least one direction. Y

18. An electric vswitch including a blade having a pair ofspaced'parallel-contact making members,imeans including a bolt extent ofpivotal for holding the contact making members against undue spreading,and an operating member pivoted to the blade and including a portionmovable into engagement with the bolt for limiting' the extent ofpivotal movement of the operating member on the blade in one direction,and additional abutment means movable into engagement with the blade forlimiting the, extent of j pivotal movement of the operating member onthe blade in the opposite direction.

19. A switch having a contact member, a switch blade movable into andout of engagement therewith, an operating lever pivoted tothe blade,said lever having a camming portion for engaging thecontact to exert apowerful camming action for movingaction for, moving the' blade` of saidblades for engagementL with switch including a blade yoperating memberon the" nidb i eti 1101...,gv pQrtan. nemammg. 11m cammmgg 61.1..

gagement. with. thm Qontmt.. aim; th@ enige.4 Of the, blad'e. cleans.theedge.. Qf the, conbaib #i tlleeby @Qm'mlihg tha.. Carming; action.,

20L. A. Switch. Ewing 2u contanti mamhfnsa.. switch. blade mowzablntoandi Outz ofi.' 0.11: gagement. thenewith,. op@Ltfling` layer' Qyf-A.Oted' tothe badle., sai@ Lenen having@ C umled.

19.. Ca.I,1f1,I1f.1.i1.1lfg` pQrtQn. eng Ging, the contantA tQ exenta;powelzul. Qauntlngi anion for. moving the bade, fIQIIL @ik (5.0.1.11la.vsa@ camming pQrLion. rQIlliIng; 112ml.. th@ @Qntlact after. the.. dgQ.of th@ bld@ dem. the edge 1li. ofi the, @Qnnat thneby' continuing thaCamif..

ming asziiml..

21,. A. Switch Ewing, a.: cantado. mgmllem., a.. Swith blade mszvablefinta.. and. out; QE fin.-Y gagement.. therewim an @emi-ing 19mm pix-u20.. Ohefl QQ th@ 51.21.51@ sadl level; Qumed @ammi-11g; pQIlQiQn fiorQngagilfff th@` conta-Qt., t0. exrt. a pbwalillcmnmll mQ'Qn. f0.1; mow.ing the blzad from the cotact, said' Quim. ming pQrtiQnlQlling-u .91mmcontat; afinar 25, the. Qd'gQ Orf; the bladexers. themge of. the...'Com'afctjthgmbyf @.Qntinuing thcammng; alc.,-A tiLQn.. and.' abufmenfIngalls., theneaihen dieu-. tlvQ fior. moving the blae.. no. the. full.open.. pQsitQn. by a. qntimled movieman@ Qi; fm.. ao operating limer...

my, 11am@ this. 116th, day. Qf Allg-1st 1.927,.

' BEBER, B..

